NEWS · 16 Sep 2026
VAR ignored offside check in Haaland's derby winner, says Howard Webb
Howard Webb, the referees' chief, admitted that the VAR system failed to even consider whether Enzo Fernandez was offside during Erling Haaland's controversial winning goal in the Manchester derby. The comment follows criticism of the decision that left fans and pundits questioning the use of technology in the game.
During Sunday’s Manchester derby, Erling Haaland secured a dramatic 1-0 victory for Manchester City with a late header that sparked debate over its legitimacy. The goal was awarded after a VAR review that many felt was incomplete, as it did not address whether Enzo Fernandez had been offside.
Howard Webb, the chief of referees for the Premier League, confirmed that the VAR team did not even consider the offside possibility in the sequence. Webb said the system focused solely on the goal itself, overlooking a key element of the play.
The admission has intensified criticism of VAR’s effectiveness, with fans and analysts arguing that the technology should consistently examine all relevant factors before making a decision. It raises questions about whether current protocols are sufficient to uphold the integrity of the game.
Webb’s statement comes from his role overseeing all refereeing decisions in the league. He has previously called for improvements to the VAR process and emphasized the need for greater consistency.
Going forward, the Premier League may review its VAR procedures to ensure that offside checks are systematically applied. The outcome of this scrutiny could shape how technology is used in future high‑profile matches.